Inventory of Chaos: Iconic Scenes That Shattered Everyone Instantly-Chapter 223: ICISEI Episode 209

Episode 209: The Savior of Penacony is only Penacony itself!

『 Before long, Acheron put forward a suggestion:

"If breaking through from the inside proves challenging, we can seek assistance from the outside. We’ve long been aware of a potential solution."

"Asdana is a galaxy known for its abundant memoria and the remarkable phenomenon known as Synesthesia Dreamscape. When people first enter this place, they often find themselves and others sharing a collective dream..."

"At this very moment, there is only one dream encompassing the entire Asdana system." 』

『 .....』

〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜

[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "A whole galaxy, having just one dream?" ]

[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "The more I watch, the more this really looks like that birthday back then." ]

[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Even though I don’t know exactly how big a galaxy is, it must be a super huge dream, right?" ]

[ Kafka (Honkai: Star Rail): "Sounds... very interesting." ]

[ The Herta (Honkai: Star Rail): "To think they actually did something like this." ]

[ The Herta (Honkai: Star Rail): "It seems I might actually accept the invitation this time." ]

[ Asta (Honkai: Star Rail): "Madam Herta, you are actually going to accept the invitation?" ]

[ The Herta (Honkai: Star Rail): "Mhm." ]

[ .....]

『 Hearing Acheron mention this, Dan Heng nodded as if suddenly realizing something.

"So you mean, if we can attract a large number of outsiders to this system, their free will would intertwine with this dream and shake it to its core..."

Black Swan immediately revealed a trace of worry, reminding them:

"But be warned, those attracted might also become addicted to the sweet dream, resulting in them reinforcing its order instead."

"The most critical issue is, how do we find a group of partners with firm wills like everyone here in such a short time?" This was the true difficulty.

Dan Heng and the others fell into silence upon hearing this.

Indeed, this was by no means easy...

However, Dan Heng did not despair.

Because it meant they still had one final hope...

"It looks like using the Jade Abacus of Allying Oath is the only feasible path."

"No, we ain’t at that stage yet!" Boothill suddenly voiced his objection, interrupting Dan Heng.

"No need to disturb the Xianzhou Alliance so soon. You keep that once-in-a-lifetime treasure for a crucial moment."

"You want thousands of people with unwavering free will? Hah, that’s easy."

"Leave this matter to us, Galaxy Rangers!" 』

『 .....』

〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜

[ Theresa (Honkai: Impact Third): "Thousands of people... is it really that easy to gather them together?" ]

[ Theresa (Honkai: Impact Third): "And they have to not be afraid of the danger of getting trapped here." ]

[ Boothill (Honkai: Star Rail): "Hahaha, just keep that Xianzhou treasure safe and sound." ]

[ Boothill (Honkai: Star Rail): "In this entire universe, the Xianzhou Alliance aren’t the only ones with free will walking the path of The Hunt." ]

[ Jing Yuan (Honkai: Star Rail): "Oh? Leave it to the Galaxy Rangers... could it be?" ]

[ Boothill (Honkai: Star Rail): "Haha, we have our own ways!" ]

[ .....]

『 Hearing this, Dan Heng turned his gaze to Boothill, asking with a hint of uncertainty:

"Are you sure you can summon the Galaxy Rangers?"

Facing Dan Heng’s bewildered expression, Boothill gave a light laugh, his eyes twinkling with a bit of playfulness.

"Heh, outsiders think we Galaxy Rangers are mysterious and unpredictable, like we have no connection to each other."

"Honestly, on the surface, that’s true."...

"But that’s exactly why! We Galaxy Rangers have an unspoken rule known only to us."

As he spoke, Boothill pulled out a special, silver-shining bullet and placed it before Acheron.

"Acheron, do you know what this is?"

"This... is the relic I returned to you." Acheron recognized the special bullet in Boothill’s hand at a glance.

Upon receiving confirmation, Boothill’s face overflowed with pride.

"That’s right. Her owner must have told you. This thing is worthless to anyone other than a Galaxy Ranger. It only works when returned to its rightful owner."

"Because it’s a burial artifact, worthy only of a hero who has served the Galaxy Rangers with honor."

"And when its light illuminates the universe, it means the fall of a hero, and in the direction it falls..."

"Countless meteors will streak across the sky. Those "meteors" are Galaxy Rangers coming from all corners of the Cosmos, driven by a shared purpose, without questioning the cause or counting the cost. Because we abide by a bottom line..."

"The shooting stars of The Hunt only descend on the longest night, and with them... comes the dawn."

"We’ve been quiet for too long. It’s time to make the cowards, parasites, and oppressors of the universe remember the name Galaxy Rangers again!"...

"I will fire this first shot!" 』

『 .....』

〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜

[ Jing Yuan (Honkai: Star Rail): "A Galaxy Ranger’s artifact... this is my first time seeing one." ]

[ Boothill (Honkai: Star Rail): "You bet your fudging life. In this entire sea of stars, you Xianzhou folks ain’t the only ones walking the Path of The Hunt." ]

[ Boothill (Honkai: Star Rail): "We Galaxy Rangers ain’t bad either." ]

[ Murata Himeko (Honkai: Star Rail): "Why do I hear the color red in these words?" ]

[ Theresa (Honkai: Impact Third): "You can’t just say things like that, or this book is going to end." ]

[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "That’s so cool! Coming from all corners of the galaxy, no questions asked, at any cost." ]

[ Genos (One Punch Man): "That point... I don’t think I can achieve that. The ’ at any cost’ part..." ]

[ Kiana (Honkai: Impact Third): "This young lady... can’t do it either." ]

[ Boothill (Honkai: Star Rail): "That’s right, that’s just the kind of crowd we Galaxy Rangers are." ]

[ .....]

『 After hearing Boothill’s statement, the group was speechless for a moment.

In this instant, it felt as though the wheels of history were quietly turning, signaling an unprecedented revolution.

At this moment, Robin was the first to break the silence, her voice filled with determination:

"When the foundation of the dream begins to shake, I will execute the second phase of the plan.

I will use my harmony to guide the people in slumber, planting notes of exploration and dissonance in their hearts, guiding them toward the path of reality.

People have strengths and weaknesses. If exploration is the duty of a hero, then the mission of the Choir is to support the weak with strength.

Penacony’s savior can only be the people of Penacony themselves."

Her gaze was firm:

"Everyone’s happiness and path should be created by themselves. Although I am not Nameless, I am willing to pass the courage to fly into the sky to everyone who needs it."

"This includes my brother."

"The Dream of Ena... for him, and for everyone, it is far too cruel."

As Boothill and Robin finished stating their plans, Black Swan, the Memokeeper, smiled and evaluated:

"It sounds like a very thorough plan, but it still carries a bit of an idealist’s romance."

"Human weakness is not something that can be overcome overnight. Just by relying on efforts like this, can you really make everyone turn from the dark to the light?"...

Acheron intervened at the right moment, interrupting Black Swan’s doubts: "Precisely so, Miss Black Swan. The most critical part of our plan is not expecting everyone to suddenly wake up, but to urge them to choose self-salvation."

Black Swan came to a realization: "So, ultimately, it comes back to you, correct?"

She realized that the other party intended to use her own power to break through the existing constraints.

Regarding this, Acheron had her own understanding: "The Harmonious Choir possesses the power of an Emanator. To overcome it, you’ll need the same level of power. The final step in destroying the sweet dream... will be my responsibility."

Hearing this, Black Swan looked at Acheron with burning eyes, a deeper curiosity and anticipation welling up in her heart:

"Hearing you say that actually makes me feel quite reassured." At the same time, she felt increasingly curious about the story hidden behind Acheron.

And just then.

Boothill suddenly announced loudly.

"Alright, since everyone’s tasks are assigned, let’s split up, head to our battlefields, and have a big fudging brawl!"

Just as Stelle was preparing to move out, Acheron called out to her: "Wait, Stelle. Can I spare a moment to chat with you privately? There is something I feel necessary to explain clearly to you."

"This grand banquet is about to draw to a close," Acheron continued, "And this is the starting point leading to the final stage, as well as the birthplace of all Penacony’s legends."

"This is where Firefly uncovered the truth." Stelle gazed at the massive device before her, whispering. The memories of her separation from Firefly rippled through her heart.

Acheron nodded in confirmation: "Indeed, she was the first to discover the world beyond the shores of ’death, ’ and she managed to convey this news to every one of us."

"There’s something you should know." Acheron’s eyes deepened, "We were able to locate you within this boundless dream and find the key to breaking free from the dream, all because of one person’s unwavering dedication..."

"Miss Firefly. She awakened from the dream ahead of others, discovered the Express amidst the stars, and brought us valuable information about the remnants of the Order."

"She may have been aided by the script, and it came at a cost... As you know, Firefly is a stowaway who entered the Dreamscape in a different way from ours."

"Without the hotel’s dream equipment, without the Family’s protection, the only path that allowed her to wake from the dream was to face a real death."

"We mustn’t fail her determination. I’m not implying that we must win this fight no matter what, but our resolve should match that of the courageous lady."

"So, are you ready?" Acheron turned around, her gaze burning, looking straight into Stelle’s eyes. 』

『 .....』

〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜

[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Experience... a real death." ]

[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "But, in one’s own dream, it should be... fine, right?" ]

[ Robin (Honkai: Star Rail): "That is not the case. Penacony’s dreamscape can feed back genuinely onto the body." ]

[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "N-No way..." ]

[ Stelle (Honkai: Star Rail): "Although I don’t know what kind of existence Firefly is." ]

[ Stelle (Honkai: Star Rail): "But I think, for such a girl, I should also try my best." ]

[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "Dying in a dream... surely that must hurt too. She was actually able to do so much..." ]

[ .....]

『 "Let’s embark on the final stage." Stelle finally made her decision. ...

Seeing this, Acheron nodded.

"Very well. Now, please close your eyes...

In the video, Acheron reached out her hand to guide Stelle.

The screen suddenly went black.

When the light spilled down again, they were situated in a vast expanse, with a massive black hole in the center that provoked infinite reverie.

Acheron, having changed into a new outfit, stood with her back to Stelle. Her voice rang out in the silence, carrying an inexplicable solemnity:

"Welcome to Horizon of Existence... This place is one of the thousands of manifestations belonging to the sleeping(IX) and shapeless(『 Nihility 』), and it’s also an exit out of the 『 Nihility 』 for the awake ones."

"At this moment, in this place, let our farewell become the final Chapter."

Stelle silently followed Acheron’s back, stepping deeper into this secret realm filled with the unknown. As they walked, faces from memories emerged one by one like a slideshow, each carrying a story, causing ripples to involuntarily rise in her mind.

Sparkle: Always distinguish between reality and imagination... alright, Little Gray Hair?

Black Swan: "Life is akin to a winding labyrinth, where memories serve as our sole companions."

Aventurine: May your schemes... be forever concealed.

Robin: Ena’s Dream... is too cruel for him, and everyone else.

Gallagher: To the imperfect tomorrow.

Firefly: I still remember the question on the invitation letter — Why does life slumber?

After a journey through wind and rain, Stelle finally stepped onto the destination, that distant and mysterious land of the yellow springs [ Acheron ], waiting quietly for her.

Acheron whispered: "The mystery of life’s slumber... perhaps we will never find the answer, yet we have no choice but to wake from this dream."

She continued thoughtfully: "Or perhaps, the question itself is another interpretation of the answer?"

Acheron turned, her gaze landing gently on Stelle.

"Leave this place. Return to your starting point. Let Penacony wake from its dream. It is time."

Stelle mustered her courage and asked, "Will I get to witness your hidden power?"

Acheron smiled faintly and answered: "Just as I said before, our goal is not to force everyone to turn over a new leaf, but to urge them toward self-salvation. Think about it, under what circumstances do people choose to save themselves?"

"The answer is simple—when they have no way back, when they are placed in a desperate situation."

Acheron’s gaze penetrated the depths of Stelle’s soul: "Like a person drowning in the deep sea, when the body and mind endure immense pressure, pain, confusion, and despair follow one after another. But I firmly believe that even if human frailty causes hesitation, when true despair descends, humanity will erupt with the power of self-salvation. Now, Penacony possesses enough heroes to lead everyone through the darkness."

"It is precisely this selfishness born of instinct... even knowing resistance might be futile, people will still go all out. Though it seems absurd, it is also an unyielding struggle."

Acheron’s voice was warm and firm: "Stelle, now it is your turn. Become the light that leads the masses. Not a savior high above, but a Nameless traveler walking alongside ordinary people. In this way, you will surely reunite under the sunlight."

"It looks like the rain is about to pour. At the moment of parting, allow me to ask a few more questions, alright?"

"In this long, sweet dream, you have established indestructible bonds with countless people and things. Facing the moment where you must sever these connections with your own hands... are you afraid?"

"No, I won’t be afraid at all," Stelle answered seriously, her eyes shining with determined light.

Hearing this, Acheron maintained that expression as calm as water, continuing to deepen the topic.

"Imagine a massive dreamscape, one so real it is almost indistinguishable from reality. There is no sorrow of separation or pain of death. Everyone can embrace their own fulfillment and happiness, forever immersed in joy. In such a world... would you be willing to throw yourself into it?"

"Even knowing that this sweet dream will eventually fall apart, and everything—friends, family, strangers passing by, the gentle breeze, the soaring birds, the brilliant stars, and even yourself—will dissipate one by one."

"In everyone’s memories, those laughter and tears, the fulfilled or unfulfilled promises, will all eventually head toward that inevitable end. If, before the journey began, you already clearly knew the destination of it all, would you still choose to depart?"

Stelle’s gaze was unwavering, looking straight at Acheron, her tone full of resolve: "I... I would step forward without hesitation!"

Acheron’s face remained as calm as before, as if everything was expected.

"I am very relieved. The answer itself is not important; the key lies in the fact that you have made a choice. Go listen, go touch, go think. Experience emotions through these things, cherish them, because it is precisely these feelings that constitute our existence. Before Nihility, this is the only answer humanity can offer."

"If the 『 Nihility 』 represents the primal fear of life, rendering any lofty convictions insignificant under THEIR imposing shadow... then please remember, behind the endless darkness, there must lie the most dazzling light in the world."

"Just as every life that will eventually fall is growing with all its might, heading toward the boundary of 『 Nihility 』. What we pursue is precisely that very first ray of light." 』

As the voice faded, the scenery before them underwent a subtle shift. The meticulous Acheron noticed it instantly, spinning around to gaze at the source of the fluctuation.

"The golden dream is about to begin."

Meanwhile, on the other side of Penacony’s fantastical dreamscape, a sudden drizzle quietly soaked the sky.

Atop the city that towered into the clouds, Boothill stood on the spire, tightly gripping his unique revolver, ready to face everything that was coming.

( Translator-kun: Welp... too bad, it seems Author-san skipped the scene revealing Acheron’s real name. because it’s Boothill perspective... not Stelle or Acheron. ) 』

『 .....』

〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜

[ Boothill (Honkai: Star Rail): "Holy baby, look at this. This is gonna be the first shot I fire for the Galaxy Rangers’ return!" ]

[ Jing Yuan (Honkai: Star Rail): "This is truly a historic moment." ]

[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "But will this really make it in time? Summoning people now... what if they don’t see it?" ]

[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "After all, the universe is so big. If they don’t see it, they can’t rush over, right?" ]

[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "Oh yeah, that is a problem." ]

[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "Doesn’t that mean only those nearby can come?" ]

[ The Herta (Honkai: Star Rail): "That... does not seem to be something that will happen." ]

[ Kiana (Honkai: Impact Third): "Huh? So they aren’t coming?" ]

[ Welt Yang (Honkai: Star Rail): "It seems this is a causality weapon influenced by The Hunt. It allows everyone to see this gathering signal fire at the exact time they are meant to see it." ]

[ Kiana (Honkai: Impact Third): "Mr. Yang, what does that mean?" ]

[ Boothill (Honkai: Star Rail): "Alright, alright, holy baby, let me explain." ]

[ Boothill (Honkai: Star Rail): "Haha, it means that no matter the time they need to get here—whether it takes days to arrive—they will see this thing at that exact point in time and rush over." ]

[ Boothill (Honkai: Star Rail): "Otherwise, how could we gather our strength to make the dawn vanish and bring the light of day back to this world?!" ]

[ Jing Yuan (Honkai: Star Rail): "Of course, the Jade Abacus granted by the Xianzhou, who also follow The Hunt, functions in the same way." ]

[ Boothill (Honkai: Star Rail): "Hahaha! The Hunt’s Meteor! Countless meteors streaking across the sky, Only Falls on the Longest Night!" ]

[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "That’s so magical." ]

[ .....]

『 Just then, Acheron’s voice rang out again, piercing the surrounding silence.

"In the coming long night, I’m afraid you will face many setbacks."

"You will witness many tragedies until finally, your eyes see only black and white."

"But please believe that in that monochrome world, a glimpse of red will pass fleetingly."

"When you make your choice, he will surely make it come true again."

Before her words even settled, the long blade in her hand turned into a streak of lightning, slashing fiercely toward Penacony’s dreamscape.

With this strike, the complex dreams shattered like illusions, gradually dissipating into nothingness.

As the dreamscape shattered, Stelle also fell slowly from mid-air.

Beside her ear, Acheron’s final whisper echoed:

"You must savor the true meaning within, before returning to the real world."

Suddenly, everyone followed Stelle’s gaze and looked up at the night sky, witnessing the scene together.

Above the firmament shrouded in night,

Countless meteors tore through the sky, weaving a magnificent scene—this was the assembly call belonging to the Galaxy Rangers.

At this moment, Stelle, who was slowly descending from the sky, was steadily caught by Acheron.

With a gentle tug, the two instantly teleported to a battlefield where a fierce fight was in full swing.

Here, the entire Astral Express Crew was already waiting in full battle array.

Little March seemed to have just woken from a dream, rubbing her sleepy eyes,

But the moment she saw the enemy in front of her, she instantly shook off the drowsiness and stood ready.

Because what they were facing was the most formidable opponent in the world right now... 』

『 .....』

〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜

[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "WHA—!? So annoying! It actually exposed this beautiful girl’s just-woken-up look." ]

[ Yukinoshita Haruno (Oregairu): "Hehe, very cute~" ]

[ Theresa (Honkai: Impact Third): "Is this the mastermind behind it all this time?" ]

[ Acheron (Honkai: Star Rail): "The final conspiracy of the Order?" ]

[ Robin (Honkai: Star Rail): "This... shouldn’t be... my brother..." ]

[ .....]

『 However, this battle did not arrive as expected.

The scene cut directly to a guest room in the hotel.

Aventurine of the IPC stood in the center of the room. He had just finished a phone call, the warmth of the conversation still lingering on his face.

Right at this moment, the sound of footsteps approaching from a distance broke the silence of the room.

This uninvited guest naturally did not escape Aventurine’s ears.

"Let’s leave it at that for now. It seems a guest has arrived."

Sensing the arrival, Aventurine decisively hung up the call.

At this moment,

Following the clearly audible footsteps, everyone’s gaze focused on this uninvited guest—Boothill, the very figure who had mysteriously disappeared after firing the signal flare to summon the Galaxy Rangers.

With a look of unruly arrogance, he locked his eyes tightly onto Aventurine, as if trying to see through him.

"Oh? There really are a lot of fresh things today. A Galaxy Ranger who doubles as a wanted criminal... You actually dare to deliver yourself to my door?"

"You actually took out two company employees right under the nose of the IPC fleet. Do you know what exactly this implies?"

"Screwubbaboo. I just put them to sleep." Boothill glanced at Aventurine with disdain. "Don’t try to scare me with those old-fashioned threats."

"Besides, the surplus value those company dogs squeezed out for the IPC is far more than this. Add a few more zeros to my bounty, I don’t care."

"I have a question I want to ask you. You’d better be honest with me, or I’ll love you to death with one shot right now~!"

However, when Boothill saw Aventurine remain silent and composed,

His expression suddenly changed.

"Tell me... Where is Oswaldo Schneider (Head of Marketing Development Department)?"

As Boothill’s words fell,

The screen went black. 』

『 .....』

/"Ding! Seventh Scene: " The Hunt’s Meteor! Countless meteors streaking across the sky, Only Falls on the Longest Night! " ends."

/"Ding! That’s it for Today! The List for the " Top Ten Famous Scenes: Part 2 " ends."

/"Ding! Tomorrow at the same time, a new list in a livestream will begin."

/"Ding! Congratulations to Boothill for receiving the reward: ’Dancing Fairy’ Random Sound Effect x 1 [ Can increase attack by 200% ]."

〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜

[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Although I know that’s not what he meant, hearing it felt so weird." ]

[ Kiana (Honkai: Impact Third): "Directly ’love you to death’ or something." ]

[ Boothill (Honkai: Star Rail): "Holy baby, what kind of reward is this?" ]

[ Boothill (Honkai: Star Rail): "Wait, this sound effect... what is this thing? Does it actually exist in this world?" ]

[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "Dancing Fairy? What is that?" ]

[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "Is it something like a Magical Girl?" ]

[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "A grown man using that sound... feels kind of strange." ]

[ Kaname Madoka (Puella Magi Madoka Magica): "Are Magical Girls strange?" ]

[ Eriri Spencer Sawamura (Saekano): "Don’t tell me, you are?" ]

[ Kaname Madoka (Puella Magi Madoka Magica): "No, no, no, I’m not a Magical Girl, I just like Magical Girls." ]

[ Eriri Spencer Sawamura (Saekano): "Okay, I thought I’d get to see a real Magical Girl, hehehe." ]

[ Utaha Kasumigaoka (Saekano): "I feel like your brain is thinking about a lot of inappropriate things." ]

[ Eriri Spencer Sawamura (Saekano): "H-How is that possible?" ]

[ .....]